Confusion Deepens Over Ojulari Exit Rumour at NNPC

Uncertainty is growing around the reported resignation of Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), as neither the presidency nor the company has confirmed or denied the development.

Ojulari, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu just three months ago, is said to have resigned under pressure, but no official word has come from the government or the company he leads. His silence, coupled with the refusal of NNPCL to address the issue publicly, has left the oil sector and political circles guessing.

Over the weekend, an online report claimed Ojulari was forced to resign after facing threats from two federal security agencies. It even alleged that he was abducted and coerced into stepping down. However, the Department of State Services (DSS) has flatly denied any involvement. A source within the agency described the allegation as false and warned that linking the DSS to such actions could lead to legal consequences.

Similarly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has not made any statement, despite efforts to get their side of the story. The silence from both security agencies has only fueled more questions about what really happened behind the scenes.

The presidency has also distanced itself from the issue. A senior official said the presidency does not speak on behalf of the NNPCL and advised journalists to direct their inquiries to the company itself. But even within NNPCL, there has been no formal confirmation or denial. Staff members have remained tight-lipped, and attempts to reach Ojulari directly were unsuccessful. Calls and messages to his phone were unanswered.

Amid the silence, speculation has turned political. A source familiar with the situation believes the matter is tied to the build-up to the 2027 general elections. The source claimed that Ojulari’s alleged closeness to Bashir-Haske, the son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, may have triggered the current tensions. Bashir-Haske is known to run a company that does business with NNPCL, and those around the president reportedly see the relationship as a threat.

According to the source, there’s concern within Tinubu’s inner circle that if Bashir-Haske maintains strong ties with Ojulari, it could provide indirect benefits to Atiku’s 2027 ambitions. While Tinubu himself is said to have no personal problem with Ojulari, some of his allies are unwilling to take any risks and are allegedly pushing for Ojulari’s exit.

The internal drama has reportedly disrupted operations within the NNPCL. An insider revealed that the uncertainty has unsettled staff and halted progress, just as Ojulari was getting into the role. The source confirmed that Ojulari has not officially resigned, but the tension surrounding the matter has affected the company’s focus.

With all key players remaining silent and Ojulari yet to speak publicly, the situation remains murky. Until an official statement is made, both the oil industry and the political class will continue to speculate about what really triggered the reported resignation—and what it could mean for the months ahead.